Bin-ii Smoot’s story began at CHCA’s Downtown Armleder campus, where he enrolled as a first grader, filled with energy and curiosity. Now, as a senior on the North Campus, he’s grown into a compassionate leader, a dedicated athlete, and an ambitious young entrepreneur. Whether on the football field, in the classroom, or in the community, Bin-ii has consistently shown that his true passion lies in using his gifts to serve others. His journey embodies the spirit of CHCA—developing students not only to excel academically, but also to live with purpose and make an impact on the world around them. 

A Transition That Shaped a Leader 

Bin-ii recalls his time at Armleder as a critical part of his development, helping lay the foundation for the person he is today. “Armleder was a huge part of who I am. The teachers there challenged me to be my best self, and they always saw my potential. They helped me set goals and pushed me to reach them,” Bin-ii shared. When it came time to choose between another school and continuing his journey at CHCA, Bin-ii decided to follow in his sister’s footsteps and make the transition to the North Campus in seventh grade. 

Armleder Principal, Cammie Montgomery, remembers Bin-ii’s dedication and growth during his years at Armleder. “I had the privilege of watching Bin-ii grow from his elementary years to high school, forming a special bond along the way. His infectious smile and enthusiasm for life inspired everyone around him. When Armleder embraced the Leader in Me program, Bin-ii was deeply committed to embodying the eight habits. We met regularly as accountability partners to help him achieve his dream of earning a scholarship to the North Campus. Presenting him with the well-deserved Hope Scholarship was truly an honor.” 

“It felt like a natural decision. I saw how much my sister loved it and how much she was growing, not just academically, but as a person,” Bin-ii said. “The sense of community made the transition smooth. Everyone was welcoming, and I knew that I was in the right place. The environment here has always felt like a blessing—it’s given me so much more than I could have imagined.” 

Finding Purpose Through Football 

Although Bin-ii started playing football in junior high almost by accident—at the urging of friends—the sport quickly became a powerful way for him to grow and connect with others.

“Football was always more than just the game to me. It was about the people. My teammates became my brothers,” Bin-ii reflected. “Even when we weren’t having great seasons, I kept playing because of the relationships. It was about pushing each other to be our best.” 

Under Coach Calvin Renfroe, Bin-ii saw a transformation not only in the team’s performance but also in its purpose. Coach Renfroe's belief in Bin-ii's potential made a lasting impact. "His future is bright because God has blessed him with the ability to bring joy in connecting with others paired with a relentless work ethic," Coach Renfroe said. The team adopted the motto, JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself, which profoundly influenced how Bin-ii approached the game—and life. “It really changed things for me,” he said. “We played for something greater than ourselves. It was about glorifying God, lifting up my teammates, and then working on myself. That kind of purpose made me love the game even more.”” 

Entrepreneurship and Service: Building a Legacy 

Beyond football, Bin-ii found another avenue to make an impact—starting his own business. His company, Bin's Powerhouse, offers landscaping, power washing, and junk removal services. But for Bin-ii, it’s not just about running a successful business; it’s about serving others and giving back. “I always wanted to create something of my own, something that was about more than just making money,” he explained. “My passion is to help people, especially those who need it most. So, I started this company to be able to serve—to help elderly people who can’t do certain things around their homes, or to support people in need.” 

A significant part of Bin-ii’s mission is reinvesting in the community. Alongside his sister, he uses his earnings to organize food drives for the homeless, preparing and delivering meals to those in need. “It’s about using what I’ve been blessed with to bless others,” Bin-ii said. His drive to make a difference has inspired him to consider starting a nonprofit organization in the future, one that would provide essential resources to homeless individuals, such as identification assistance, job training, and transitional support. “It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about giving them a path forward. I want to help solve the underlying issues, not just treat the symptoms,” he shared. 

Faith as His Guide 

Faith has always been a guiding force in Bin-ii’s life, though he admits it’s something he’s explored in his own unique way. “I’ve always believed that God is with me, guiding me,” he said. For Bin-ii, his relationship with God is about private moments of prayer, meditation, and reflection—times when he seeks God’s direction and purpose. 

“Every time I do something, I know it’s part of God’s plan for me. That’s what keeps me grounded, and that’s what drives me to give back,” he explained. Bin-ii’s desire to serve, whether through his business, his community outreach, or his leadership on the football field, is rooted in his belief that his talents are gifts from God—gifts meant to be used for the greater good. 

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Service 

As Bin-ii prepares for life after CHCA, he’s considering new opportunities, including moving to Atlanta to explore business and community impact initiatives. He plans to study financial consulting while continuing to grow his company and expand his outreach efforts. “I want to keep doing what I love—helping people and building something that matters,” he said. “Atlanta has a lot of the same challenges as Cincinnati, like homelessness and poverty, and I want to see how I can make a difference there too.” 

For Bin-ii, the journey is just beginning. His time at CHCA has shaped him into a servant leader—someone who leads with empathy, gives without expecting anything in return, and constantly looks for ways to lift others up. Whether through business, community service, or his next big venture, Bin-ii is ready to make an impact, and his story is one that continues to inspire those around him.